16 ACORN Visitors of Note Oscar Kirkham, field secretary of the Mutual Improvement Association, visited the Academy, Monday, September 28. In his address Mr. Kirkham told the very interesting story of the opera "Parsifal," by Richard Wagner, as he had witnessed it from the Kaiser's box at the Wagner Opera House, Beyreuth, Germany. He then gave as an illustration the story of a fellow student's life. He also spoke about social activities and athletics in the school. Mrs. Norma Sears Evans, a former student of the Academy, em tertained us one morning with three very interesting readings. Friday morning, October 9, Mr. Earl Pardoe gave a very interesting and instructive reading. He read one act from the play, "Disraeli," by Louis Parker. Some new work in the line of public speaking was outlined for the students by Professor Hunt of the University of Utah. The State contests in public speaking this year are to consist of extemporaneous speeches. This gives the student a chance for greater development and shows more plainly the individuality of the student. Professor Hunt said he had tried it out in his classes and found it very successful. We hope that the students of Weber will take up this new work with a determination to get the best out of it, and to bring the victories to Weber. One of the greatest treats that we have had this year was the reading of "Peg O' My Heart," by Miss Lila Eccles. She delighted all her audience with her pleasing way of rendering this most interesting play. The patrons and friends were invited to come and hear Miss Eccles, and many of them availed themselves of the opportunity. Faculty Reception The Faculty gave their annual reception October 2, and they certainly made splendid hosts and hostesses. The hall was artistically decorated in red and green. The motto, "Unity, Joy and Propriety," was inscribed in large purple letters with a background of white and placed in one end of the hall. Large jardinieres filled with red dahlias and ferns were artistically arranged around the room. From two beautifully gotten-up booths refreshments were served during" the evening. The reception was thoroughly enjoyed by all. ACORN 17 Lecture Course One of the most beneficial institutions of the school is that of the Lecture Course. During the year the best speakers, singers, musicians and entertainers of the country appear in Ogden on the Weber Academy Lecture Course. Part of education is to come in contact with the leading men and women of the day and thus become broader by their influence. It is generally conceded in this school that a student gets more out of these lectures than he would from any of his classes. Students will be admitted on their student tickets, but there are lecture tickets on sale for the general public. Students, boost the Course. Get out and sell tickets. You can assure the people they will be satisfied with the Course offered this year. It is as follows: 1. George H. Bradford, lecture on education. 2. Apollo Concert Co., mixed musical program. 3. Ross Crane, cartoonist and entertainer. 4. Robert Manlove, impersonator. 5. Dr. J. H. McClaren. 6. Professor Wood, illustrated scientific lecture. 7. Ashton C. Shallenberger, lecturer. 8. Maud May Babcock, reader. 9. Russel Conwell, lecturer. Volley Ball and Croquet Court All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. We believe that at Weber. For several years we have been interested in basketball, and quite early this season tennis was added to afford another vent for our play spirit. But that was not all no, no. The students put on their overalls, hauled load after load of clay, and with great enthusiasm got busy on a croquet court. The Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen all went out to play, and pronounced it good. Nor was that enough of the good things. A volley ball court came next, and that, too, was a product of the boys' well-tried muscle. There is no use of studying every bit of the day, when you can become so much wiser by oiling up your thinking machines with a game of volley ball, or an entertaining bit of croquet playing. Honest to goodness, these games are more refreshing than Coca-Cola and more invigorating than Koffe-et.